CORTLAND, N.Y. — A rape incident that was recently reported on the SUNY Cortland campus has been determined to be unfounded, according to the University Police Department.
The incident was reported by a student on Fri., Oct. 26, at 3 a.m. The person told police that the incident occurred in the area of Prospect Terrace, near the SUNY Cortland Memorial Library.
An investigation was conducted by the University Police Department, after which police determined that the report was unfounded.
Cases can be determined to be unfounded based on a variety of factors gathered during the investigation, the police department said in a news release.
Between 2% and 10% of sexual assault cases are falsely reported, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Here's the full news release from SUNY Cortland:
An investigation by SUNY Cortland University Police determined that the sexual assault by an unknown assailant reported to have occurred Oct. 26 on Prospect Terrace near Memorial Library did not occur. Working with the cooperation of the reporting person, investigators found that the report was unfounded. Reports can be unfounded for a variety of reasons. This investigation determined that no additional action is needed.
Even though this case was unfounded, it should be noted that the vast majority of sexual assault reports are made in good faith. The College and the University Police strongly support all survivors of sexual assault and encourage all possible victims to report incidents, even if no action is desired. We offer multiple ways for individuals to do this, which are outlined on the reporting options webpage of SUNY Cortland’s Title IX Office
